Bond Order Calculator
Calculate bond order using molecular orbital theory or Lewis structures
Calculate Bond Order
Number of electrons in bonding orbitals
Number of electrons in antibonding orbitals
Bond Order Results
Calculation Method
Step-by-Step Calculation
Bond Analysis
Bond Properties
Key Formulas
Example: Nitrogen Molecule (N₂)
Molecular Orbital Analysis
Total electrons: 14 (7 from each N atom)
Bonding electrons: 10 (σ2s², σ2p², π2px², π2py²)
Antibonding electrons: 4 (σ*2s²)
Formula: Bond Order = (10 - 4) / 2 = 3
Lewis Structure Analysis
Structure: N≡N (triple bond)
Bond count: 3 bonds between 2 atoms
Bond order: 3 (direct count)
Agreement: Both methods give bond order = 3
Bond Order Scale
Common Bond Orders
Quick Tips
Higher bond order = stronger bond
Higher bond order = shorter bond length
Bond order ≤ 0 means no stable bond
Fractional values indicate resonance
MO theory more accurate than Lewis
Understanding Bond Order
What is Bond Order?
Bond order is a measure of the number of chemical bonds between a pair of atoms. It indicates the stability of a bond and is related to bond length and bond energy. Higher bond orders correspond to stronger, shorter bonds and greater molecular stability.
Key Concepts:
- • Stability: Higher bond order = more stable molecule
- • Bond Length: Higher bond order = shorter bond length
- • Bond Energy: Higher bond order = higher bond energy
- • Existence: Bond order ≤ 0 means molecule doesn't exist
Calculation Methods
Molecular Orbital Theory
More accurate quantum mechanical approach using electron configurations.
Lewis Structure
Simpler approach counting bonds directly from Lewis structures.
Experimental
Determined from spectroscopic and structural measurements.
Applications in Chemistry
Molecular Stability
Predict whether molecules can exist and their relative stability.
Bond Properties
Estimate bond lengths, bond energies, and vibrational frequencies.
Magnetic Properties
Determine if molecules are paramagnetic or diamagnetic.
Theory Comparison
Molecular Orbital Theory
Advantages: More accurate, handles fractional bonds, predicts magnetic properties
Formula: (Bonding e⁻ - Antibonding e⁻) / 2
Best for: Diatomic molecules, accurate predictions
Lewis Structure Method
Advantages: Simple, intuitive, good for polyatomic molecules
Formula: Total bonds / Number of bond groups
Best for: Quick estimates, polyatomic molecules